• The interceptor, an advanced air defence missile which is yet to get a formal name, was positioned at launchpad – 4 of the Integrated Test Range on Dr Abdul Kalam Island and roared on its trajectory to hit the target mid-air on sea surface. Developed as parts of efforts to have a multi-layer ballistic missile defence system, it is capable of destroying incoming hostile ballistic missiles.

• While the missile’s major health parameters, including its ‘kill’ effect, have already been validated in earlier tests, the current test was to validate some improved features incorporated in the system.

• The interceptor is a 7.5 meter long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator. The interceptor missile had its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.